Chevron Lubricants's new Delo 400 NG SAE 15W-40 is a premium oil for use in compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) engines.

Delo 400 NG is formulated with Chevron's Isosyn technology, formulated to deliver long drain performance in a wide variety of CNG and LNG engines.

"There are numerous factors driving the adoption of natural gas vehicles, including significant domestic supply availability, lower fueling costs, reduced environmental impact, and growing CNG/LNG refueling support infrastructure," said Jim Gambill, North America Delo brand manager.

While acknowledging that despite that growth, natural gas is still essentially a niche opportunity, Gambill said, "As more fleets look to alternative fuel solutions to help reduce their carbon footprint and boost their bottom line, we felt it was important to offer an engine oil specifically designed to meet their needs."

Gambill pointed out that natural gas engines have significantly shorter recommended oil drain intervals than diesel engines -- about a quarter of the life. Delo 400 NG is designed to help extend those drain intervals.

In addition, Chevron is testing Delo 400 NG SAE 15W-40 in Cummins ISL G series CNG engines in delivery truck service and has achieved oil drain levels of more than 10,000 miles, which is beyond Cummins recommended 7,500-mile maximum oil drain for this engine type.

(As with any extended oil drain program, Chevron notes customers always should follow OEM maintenance recommendations and monitor engine performance with a used oil analysis program.)

Chevron says the new oil features excellent ratings for sludge control and valve or piston deposits in field trials and engine tests. Oil oxidation/nitration control minimizes main and connecting rod bearing corrosive wear. It also offers excellent tappet and liner wear performance in alternative fuel engines, the company says.

Delo 400 NG meets the performance requirements of key OEM specifications including Cummins (CES 20074) and Detroit Diesel (93K216) and is suitable for service in Daimler MB226.9, Volvo CNG, Renault RGD, Mack CNG, Isuzu CNG, Hino CNG, and Hyundai CNG engines.